A WOMAN has died after a fire broke out at a housing complex in Esher used by elderly people.

The body of the victim, who was in her 80s but has not been named, was discovered after firefighters were called to Gunters Mead, off Copsem Road. The blaze broke out at around 9pm last Thursday (March 21).

Rosemary Simmons Housing Association confirmed on Monday that a woman had passed away.

Paul Yates, chief executive of the housing association, told Get Surrey the fire was "very much located in one property".

"It is with enormous regret that Rosemary Simmons Housing Association can confirm that a resident at the Gunters Mead retirement scheme in Esher died in their home on Thursday March 21, apparently as a result of a fire that evening.

"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."

Mr Yates said staff were at the site last Friday offering "support and reassurance" to other residents, and that the association was now waiting on a report from the fire service.

"A smoke alarm triggered the emergency system," he added.

"Unfortunately it was too late to save the lady in question.

"The fire was linked to one property. There was only some minor smoke damage to a corridor. No other residents were affected.

"Everyone was back in their flats by about midnight. It was very well handled by the fire service."Mr Yates said other residents waited in the communal lounge while firefighters put out the blaze.

He said the family of the woman who died had been informed.

Gunters Mead is a retirement scheme for independent people aged over 60 who are no longer in full-time employment.

A spokesman for Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said: "This is a tragic event and our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends.

"We are investigating the incident and a report will go to the coroner."

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "On attendance at the scene, the body of a woman in her 80s had been found in the living room.

"At this stage it is not believed that there was any third party involvement in the fire and the death is being treated as non-suspicious."